NEWS'Black Panther' Star Chadwick Boseman Dies At 43 After 4-Year Colon Cancer Battle
Aug. 29 2020, Updated 3:23 p.m. ET
RIP. Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died at just 43 years old, a statement from his official Instagram page confirmed. "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman," the statement began on Friday, August 28. "Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV."
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," the post continued. "From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Following the tragic news, celebrities quickly paid tribute to the late Hollywood star, who was also famous for his roles in 42, Get on Up, and Avengers: Infinity War.
Mark Ruffalo wrote, "All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in Power, King." Chris Evans added, "I'm absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I'm endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in Power, King."
Brie Larson got emotional, writing, "Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I'm honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend."
Boseman was best known for his role as T'Challa, or the Black Panther, in the 2018 movie Black Panther. The box office hit was a pivotal film since it featured the first major superhero with an African protagonist and the first to feature a primarily Black cast. The flick has won a slew of awards.
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Despite being ill, Boseman didn't give up on his dreams and still went to work every day. In 2018, the South Carolina native — who was sick at the time — got emotional when speaking about Black Panther and what it had meant to two kids who were battling cancer.
"All of it's been very personal, just watching the kids experiencing it," he told Sway Calloway during a SiriusXM interview. "There are two little kids, Ian and Taylor, who passed from cancer. Throughout our filming, I was communicating with them knowing that they were both terminal. And what they said to me, and their parents said, is they're trying to hold on until this movie comes."
"To a certain degree, you hear them say that, and you're like, 'Wow,'" he continued. "That's ... like I gotta get up and go to the gym, or I gotta get up and go back to work. You know, I gotta learn these lines, I gotta work on this accent. Seeing how devoted all of my castmates are and knowing that will be something meaningful to them."
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"It's a humbling experience because you're like, 'This can't mean that much to them,' you know," he shared. "But seeing how the world has taken us on, seeing how the movement is, how it's taken on a life of its own, I realized that they anticipated something great."
RIP, King. You will be missed.
